A wide range of topics are covered in the homework. Some topics will be oriented more towards understanding fundamental teachings of the Buddha while others will be more about life integration. There will be questions to consider and reflect upon and suggested meditations. Bringing the reflections and practices into daily life situations will be the consistent theme throughout. Each month will have 2-6 short readings, including a mix of suttas from the Buddha, and from modern writers. Additional reading will be optional for those with more time or interest in a given topic.

Each person will be asked to pair up with at least one other person in the program and talk at least once every two weeks. This is an opportunity to discuss and work with the homework material and associated practices more intimately and in depth. This is a wonderful (and required) part of the program as it is where we can most vulnerably explore our personal experience. The length, setting, and topic are up to the dharma buddies.

Once a month there will be online video conference calls in small groups with Susie discussing the month's topic. There will be 3 call times to provide for schedules and to allow the groups to be smaller. We use ‘google hangout’ for the calls; you will be provided detailed information on how to use this system; there are no fees, but an internet connection faster than dial-up is required. For those not able to use this system for any reason, telephone only (no video) is an optional way to participate. The calls will be on the same day and time of the week, but which week of the month will vary due to Susie's teaching schedule. After registration, you will be asked to fill out an online survey to help in the scheduling of the call times. Most likely there will be at least one weekday evening, and one weekday morning.

There will be four weekend retreats per year exclusively for the program participants. On these retreats there will be a mix of silent practice, exercises and discussion. The retreats will provide us the opportunity to delve more deeply into topics, as well as create a community of support and deep dharma friends. The community we form and the long term dharma friendships are a deeply enriching part of the program. The retreats are an integral part of the program. The retreats will be held in the Moab/Grand Junction area and begin on Friday after lunch and end on Sunday with lunch (allowing participants to drive home Sunday afternoon.) Most of the places we will use are one hour south or two hours east of Moab.

In order to predict costs, keep them low, and distribute costs evenly to participants, you will be asked to pay for all retreats (minus your food cost) even if you are unable attend. (We will try to work with everyone on this, but please realize no one else can take your place!) The charged costs just cover the cost of the retreat. For those who are unable to attend a retreat, the talks and exercises from the retreats will be recorded and made available.

There is a $170 - $250 sliding registration fee per year of the program. Anything over $170 is tax–deductible. And any amount over $220 will go to a scholarship fund specifically for program participants. Scholarships are available; contact the registrar (quilleymail) if you are interested. If you are not accepted in the program your full amount will be returned. This will be used to cover the costs of the program. These include costs of technology (online tools, retreat recordings and uploading) and administration. Quilley Powers will be the program administrator. Sky Mind Retreats is the program sponsor. (There is one work exchange position available for someone with good computer and organizational skills.)

Each retreat will cost $170 - $250 sliding scale. This is due one month before a retreat. This includes lodging (not fancy, but sufficient; all rooms are shared and camping is always an option), food, and staff (cook/retreat manager) cost. (If you are unable to attend, you will be asked to pay this fee unless we are otherwise able to cover the costs of the retreat.) There will be a couple of work trade positions each retreat, available for those who need to further reduce the cost of the retreats. A scholarship fund for the group will be established and partial scholarships will be available.

Susie Harrington (bio) will be the guiding teacher for the program. In accordance with tradition, she offers the teachings without a fee. This includes all aspects of the program including the retreats, monthly homework, the conference calls, and individual check-ins. This is a substantial commitment for Susie, and participant support through donations (also in accordance to tradition), allows her to continue to offer this program in all its elements. There is a suggested donation of $30 – $100 month and $100 – $200 per retreat (in addition to the retreat fee). Donations can be set up as a monthly bank or credit card withdrawal or offered in cash or checks. While these amounts are guidelines, there is no set donation for the teachings, and you may offer whatever you like. All donations are tax deductible. (All program fees listed above are for direct costs associated with the program or retreats and do not support the teacher.)

The sliding scale allows those who can afford less to still attend, and yet still allows us to receive support from those who can afford more. The lower end of the sliding scale is less than the actual cost of expenses (scholarship funds make up the difference). The middle of the sliding scale is the actual cost directly required to pay for specific program expenses. The higher end of the fee covers expenses and provides a small amount towards scholarships. Program expenses include phone, office supplies, website costs, credit card fees, and other miscellaneous costs associated with offering the program and the associated retreats. We rely on the generosity of those who can offer more to allow us to continue. (All costs above the lower fee are tax-deductible as a donation to Sky Mind Retreats a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.